As I’ve mentioned time and time again, I love fashion—this reiteration is also how I justify my addition to retail therapy. I’ve talked about it before, but the way that clothing allows us to show the world who we really are, or cloak ourselves in a blanket of confidence when we’re feeling below par, is truly a superpower. One of the most important elements that goes into achieving these benefits, however, is styling.
I think this is the part that freaks some people out—this also happens to be my favorite part. I find it therapeutic to throw different items together to see what new outfit or statement I can make. Sometimes I hit the nail on the head right away, and other times I end up with 9,000 pieces of clothing scattered all over my room.
After looking through this summer’s trends, I realized that I was able to create outfits with items already in my closet. Though I’m always up for finding an excuse to add something new to my wardrobe, this isn’t always practical. With that in mind, I decided to style 10 outfits that followed current summer trends using items that I already had. Some are very on brand for me, and some took me a few steps outside of my comfort zone. So, if you’ve been looking for some summer styling inspo, keep on reading!
White On White
Styling white on white can be tricky. I think it’s pretty common to try and match each white piece as closely as possible. As someone who strives for perfection, this is something I have to actively keep myself from fixating on. One trick to keep in mind it to use white pieces with different textures throughout the outfit.
For this look, I decided to pair a white lace bralette underneath an off-white, silk, floral blouse. For the bottoms, I kept it simple with a straight leg, white denim jean, and for shoes, I chose a white pair of block heels with a black contrast sole. I like how this added a little something new to the look. Wearing all white always makes me feel ready for Miami, so naturally I had to add the aviators too!
Outfit details: bralette from SHEIN (dupe for the Free People Adella bralette), blouse from White House Black Market, Jeans are Seven7, Heels are Rock & Republic, and sunglass are an unknown brand from Kohl’s.
80’s Glam
Technically I was alive for one year in the 80’s, which makes me a product of this decade, but this was a trend I did not see myself partaking in. I definitely had more fun styling this one than I expected, and I’m actually quite pleased with the outcome.
For this look, I chose a silver/gold sequin crop top with a structured shoulder, because, well, the 80’s, man. I paired the top with high waisted, satin trousers that have an asymmetrical wrap style front. I wasn’t too sure what to do for shoes, but I think these feather detailed heels pair nicely. In order to add a little extra pizazz, I threw on a pair of chandelier chainmail earrings. And the gloves… I may or may not have worn these for my Cruella de Vil costume this past Halloween, but everything I read said that gloves were a must when creating an 80’s glam look.
Outfit details: top from Fashion Nova, trousers from White House Black Market, earrings from Forever 21, shoes are Kelly & Katie, and gloves unknown.
Pool Wear
I honestly had a completely different plan in mind for this outfit, but it wasn’t coming together the way I had envision. Instead, I started pairing random things together and Voila! I came up with this look, which actually might be my favorite. It’s definitely out of my comfort zone, but it’s fun, trendy, and unique. The best part is, I didn’t have to wear a bra!
For this look, I layered a black cropped, neoprene top underneath a bright, fun, strapless bikini. I wanted to cover some of the blank space on my chest, so I added a chunky layered gold necklace as well. For the bottoms, I chose a distressed, relaxed jean. Going with this type of bottom helped mellow out the look and keep it more wearable. To finish everything off, I added a pair of black, studded espadrilles, and a hot pink clutch for an extra pop of color.
Outfit details: top from Express, bikini from Victoria’s Secret, necklace from Ashley Stewart, jeans from I Saw It First, clutch from Kate Spade, and sandals are Marc Fisher.
Romantic & Feminine
Romantic and victorian styles are my absolute favorite! They aren’t always the most practical for my lifestyle, but I’m a sucker for puffy sleeves, high necklines, lace, velvet, and romantic prints.
For this look, I chose one of my absolute favorite dresses, which screams “romantic milk maid princess”! In order to compliment the floral print, I added this feathered belt. Those tan and sea-foam green feathers, coupled with the beige stones… ugh, what a dream! For shoes, I kept it simple with some sparkly, block heels, and to finish everything off, I added a dainty gold “diamond” necklace.
Outfit details: dress from Missguided, belt from Anthropologie, heels are Nina, and necklace from Kate Spade.
Metallic & Monochromatic Suit
Suits… my gosh they are EVERYWHERE right now! I sort of killed two trends with one stone by combining metallic with a monochromatic suit. To be perfectly honest, this silver suit is super intimidating on the hanger, but on the body, I absolutely adore it!
For this look, I wanted to avoid looking too businessy (if a loud, metallic suit could even be considered businesswear), and I went ahead and paired a black, sheer lace bodysuit with it. I love the contrast that the black brings to the outfit, and the sheer lace adds an element of sexiness to an otherwise modest look. I wanted to stick with the black contrast for my shoes, so I went ahead and threw on my trusty feathered heels.
Outfit details: suit from White House Black Market, bodysuit is Bozzolo, and shoes are Kelly & Katie.
Fringe
I literally love fringe so much! I just wish that it wouldn’t go in and out of style so quickly–not that something being on trend dictates whether I wear it or not, but it sure makes items easier to find when they’re “popular.”
For this look, I paired a cream, structured bodysuit with a champagne, velvet skirt. I love that the padded shoulder of the top ties in with the ruching along the hips of the skirt–adding volume to the top and hip helps give the illusion that I have a waist–and this is no easy task. Also, this plunge neckline could not compliment this skirt’s cut anymore! For shoes, I kept it simple with my sparkly heels, and I also added a dainty necklace just to fill in some space.
Outfit details: bodysuit from Express, skirt from Pretty Little Thing, necklace from Kate Spade, and shoes are Nina.
Masculine Meets Feminine
I love the juxtaposition of this trend! Mixing different styles together has always been my jam–I think this is partly because I can be just as edgy as I am feminine. Also, the possibilities of mixing feminine and masculine pieces together are endless!
For this look, I decided to raid my husband’s closet for a white dress shirt (shhhh!) I’ve been on the hunt for my own, but I haven’t been able to find exactly what I’m looking for quite yet. For the feminine element, I added a pink satin slip (yes, it’s actually nightwear). These two pieces together were quite boxy and shapeless, so I added my broke bitch, faux Gucci belt to cinch in my non-existent waist. For shoes, I thought these chunky, bejeweled boots added the perfect touch.
Outfit details: shirt from husband’s closet *hehe*, dress from Soma Sensual, belt from Amazon, and boots are Steve Madden.
Biker Jacket
Out of all the looks I’ve shared, this is actually the only one that I had previously styled and wore. Like I said, pairing edgy and feminine pieces together is kind of my thing, so this look is very on brand with how I typically dress.
For this look, I paired a dobby, ruffled dress with a studded, floral embroidered leather jacket. The dusty rose color of the dress tied in PERFECTLY with the dusty tones in the embroidery. I also added a silver necklace, which complimented the jacket’s silver hardware. For shoes, I thought these cream, faux-alligator, wedged boots were the perfect final touch.
Outfit details: jacket from Driftwood, dress from Express, necklace is Jenny Bird, and boots are Dolce Vita.
Embellishments
The first time I saw Aria Montgomery wear this top on Pretty Little Liars, I fell in love with it! Back then, the Urban Outfitters price point was a tad out of budget for me–fast forward to 2020, however, and I found it ridiculously discounted on Poshmark. SCORE! Psst! If you ever want to shop my closet, make sure to check out my Poshmark!
For this look, I decided to go all out with the embellishments by pairing this bejeweled crop top with these ah-mazing rhinestone boots. These photos do not even come close to showing how sparkly they are! In order to grunge up the outfit a bit, I added these distressed, relaxed jeans. Are the embellishments a bit over the top? Yes. Am I obsessed with this look nonetheless? Also yes.
Outfit details: top is Silence + Noise, jeans are Signature 8, and boots are Betsey Johnson.
Capes
Caped rompers are seriously a personality trait for me at this point. I have two, but I’m actually surprised that I don’t own 100. If you haven’t tried one yet, stop reading, open a new tab, and order one STAT.
Since this is all about summer styling, I chose this high square neck romper. It’s made of a crepe fabric, which to be perfectly honest, isn’t my favorite material–it is, however, perfect for the summer heat. I have broader shoulders, so this neckline can be tricky for me. To draw attention away from that, I added a gold, layered chain necklace. To finish off the look, I added a strappy pair of snake print sandals. Major flop on my part though, since they’re not even shown *sigh.*
Outfit details: caped romper from Altar’d State, necklace from Ashley Stewart, and sandals (not shown) from Fashion Nova.